How to Stop Caster Flutter


Casters offer an unparalleled level of convenience when compared to traditional wheels. Consisting of wheels attached to or embedded inside of a frame, they are used to move heavy objects. You can find casters on chairs, furniture, medical equipment and even machines. While convenient and easy to use, though, some casters may experience a problem known as caster flutter.

What Is Caster Flutter?

Caster flutter is a phenomenon in which a caster spins perpendicularly to the direction in which it’s being pushed. If you’re pushing an object forward, the casters should roll forward in this same direction. But there are instances in which the casters may spin side to side. Known as caster flutter, it can make the object difficult to push, or it can even cause the object to tip over. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent caster flutter.

Choose High-Quality Casters

High-quality casters are less likely to experience this than their low-quality counterparts. Casters shouldn’t flutter if they are properly designed. Fluttering is a sign of poor craftsmanship. Properly designed casters should roll smoothly in the direction in which they are pushed. If you’re worried about caster flutter, choose high-quality casters from a reputable manufacturer like The Caster Guy.

Keep in mind that the weight of a caster will affect its risk of fluttering. Heavy duty casters are less likely to flutter than lightweight casters. As a result, you may want to choose casters made of a heavy and solid material to prevent them from fluttering.

Lubricate

You can lubricate casters to minimize the risk of fluttering. Frame-enclosed casters may flutter if they aren’t lubricated properly. The lack of lubrication creates friction between the wheels and the frame. As you attempt to push the casters, they may spin side to side rather than rolling smoothly in the same direction. Spraying a small amount of quality lubricant within the frame will often prevent this from happening.

Clean Regularly

Lastly, don’t forget to clean your casters regularly. Casters can attract dirt and debris as they roll across the floor or ground. Failure to clean your casters will result in the buildup of dirt and debris to the point where they no longer roll smoothly or at all. Instead of rolling smoothly in the same direction in which they are pushed, they may flutter side to side.